Yosemite in March: Crowds, Weather & What to Pack
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March is one of the best months of the year to visit Yosemite National Park: crowds run 25% of the August peak (136,081 average visits). Weather: highs average 57°F and lows 34°F, with 5.5″ of precipitation and 11.9 hours of daylight. Roads and services are only partly open this month — see the access note below. Computed from NPS and NOAA data.
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Bring for Yosemite in March
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy)See it on AmazonWhy: mornings average 34°F.
- Rain shell + pack coverSee it on AmazonWhy: 5.5″ of precipitation is normal this month.
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kitSee it on AmazonWhy: 5.5″ of rain is normal this month.
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Crowds in March
Yosemite averages 136,081 recreation visits in March — 25% of what August, the peak month, draws — the third-quietest month of the year. That crowd level sets the tone for parking, permits and lodging — crowds are thin by this park's standards.
Weather & daylight
Daytime stays cool (highs average 57°F), and mornings are chilly (lows average 34°F). This is one of the wetter months (5.5″ of precipitation on average). Mid-month daylight runs 11.9 hours.
NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station YOSEMITE PARK HQ, CA US (3 mi from park coordinates, 4,018 ft elevation) — conditions vary inside the park, especially with elevation. Daylight computed for the 15th of March.
What to pack for Yosemite in March
Computed from the month's weather normals above — not a generic list.
- Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy) — mornings average 34°F
- Rain shell + pack cover — 5.5″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 5.5″ of rain is normal this month
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Also at their best in March
Other parks whose computed March verdict is a best window — same NPS × NOAA formula:
- Great Basin in March — 10% of peak crowds, highs 48°F, score 81/100
- Shenandoah in March — 23% of peak crowds, highs 55°F, score 78/100
- Wind Cave in March — 15% of peak crowds, highs 50°F, score 78/100
- Mesa Verde in March — 17% of peak crowds, highs 47°F, score 77/100
Common questions
Is Yosemite crowded in March?
No — March is one of the quieter months: 25% of the August peak, averaging 136,081 visits (NPS, 2021–2025).
What is the weather like in Yosemite in March?
Average highs of 57°F, lows of 34°F, 5.5″ of precipitation (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, YOSEMITE PARK HQ, CA US station).
What should I pack for Yosemite in March?
Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy); Rain shell + pack cover; Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — the full weather-computed list is on this page.
Is everything open at Yosemite in March?
Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road typically close November–late May; Yosemite Valley is open year-round. Always check the park's live NPS alerts for current conditions.
See also: the best national parks to visit in March · Last verified 2026-09-24